James Murdoch may be prosecuted; Rupert flies to London
09 Jul 2011
News Corp boss Ruper Murdoch is flying to London today to troubleshoot the British domains of his media empire amid the News of the World crisis - even as reports suggest that his son James, chairman of the UK arm News International, could be prosecuted over the telephone hacking scandal.
James Murdoch had admitted in a statement on Thursday that he had approved out-of-court settlements to hacking victims. Former home secretary Alan Johnson of the Labour party suggested he could be charged under anti-snooping legislation.
Prime Minister David Cameron piled on the pressure on Murdoch by suggesting on Friday that there were ''lots of questions that need to be answered''.
The crisis seriously threatens the senior Murdoch's ambitions to take full control of satellite broadcaster BSkyB, as Cameron further declared that British politicians have for long had ''too close'' relationships with media owners.
In evidence to a Commons committee back in 2009, it had emerged that James Murdoch was aware of a breach-of-privacy claim by Gordon Taylor, the head of the Professional Footballers' Association, and had agreed with a decision to settle for £700,000.
Johnson said any legal action could be taken under section 79 of the Regulation of Investigative Powers Act 2000, which covers the 'criminal liability of directors'.